![Be "sweet" to yourself - keep blood sugar levels in check](../../images/HealthContent/NI_182.jpg "Be "sweet" to yourself - keep blood sugar levels in check")
You can help manage your condition with these nutrition tips.
Breakfast is an important meal of the day - don't skip it! Eat on a regular
basis instead of just one big meal.
Whole grains and fiber-rich foods (including breads, pasta, potatoes, rice,
and cereals) can help control your blood glucose levels.
Choose "low-sugar" and "sugar-free" foods, as snacks
and beverages with high sugar content can cause your blood sugar levels to
rise quickly.
| High-sugar foods |
Low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives |
| Sugar, syrup, glucose, dextrose |
Artificial sweeteners |
| Pop beverages and colas, chocolate syrup or powder |
Diet sodas, water, cocoa powder |
| Chocolate, fudge, cookies, candy bars |
Fresh or dried fruit, plain crackers, sugar-free chewing gum |
| Breakfast cereals containing a lot of sugar or honey |
Oatmeal or porridge, bran or oat-based cereals |
| Jam, marmalade |
Low-sugar jams and marmalade |
| Puddings or canned fruit in syrup |
Low-sugar or diet yogurt |
Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. It's easier than you think
to eat five to ten servings! Enjoy fruit for snacks, and add vegetables to
make your favorite meals even tastier.
Limit fried and fatty foods. Choose low-fat dairy products, lean meats and
poultry; grill, barbeque, or oven-bake your meat instead of frying; and cook
with moderate amounts of unsaturated oils such as olive, sunflower or corn
oil.
If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. This means no more than one or
two drinks per day, with a weekly maximum of 9 drinks for women and 14 drinks
for men.
If you're eating a healthy, balanced diet, then the occasional high-sugar treat
won't hurt. Try to enjoy your sweet snack after a high-fiber meal.
